The Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, also classified as the P-15 Bravo class, or simply P-15B, is a class of guided-missile destroyers currently being built for the Indian Navy (IN).
The P-15B is a derivative of the Kolkata-class destroyers (P-15A), a class of three stealth guided-missile destroyers, which currently serve as the IN’s frontline destroyers.
Designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB), a total of four ships are being built by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL), under the Make in India initiative.
The first vessel of the class, INS Visakhapatnam was commissioned on 21 November 2021.
The Indian Navy plans to have all four destroyers in active service by 2024.
Goal of Project -15B
The goal of the project was to develop a line of destroyers that were comparable to the Kolkata-class destroyers, with only several, yet incremental alterations – in order to minimize its development time and associated costs.
Features of Visakhapatnam-class destroyer
The Visakhapatnam class is an upgraded derivative of its predecessor, the Kolkata class, with improved features of stealth, automation and ordnance.
The destroyers are equipped with a “Total Atmosphere Control System” (TAC), which allows them to operate in regions of nuclear fallout.
Additionally, the destroyers are also equipped with nuclear, biological and chemical warfare (NBC) protective equipment, with its entire requirement of air being filtered through NBC filters.
An estimated 72% of the destroyers’ components are indigenously sourced, as compared to 59% for the Kolkata-class destroyers and 42% for the Delhi-class destroyers.
The destroyers feature multiple fire zones, battle damage control systems and distributional power systems for improved survivability and reliability in emergent conditions.
The destroyers feature ergonomically designed accommodations based on modular concepts, which ensures a significant amount of crew comfort.
Armament
Anti-surface warfare
For its anti-surface warfare (ASuW) capabilities, the class features sixteen Brahmos anti-ship cruise missiles, capable of speeds of up to Mach 3.
Anti-air warfare
As part of its anti-air warfare (AAW) capabilities, the class features thirty-two Barak 8ER surface-to-air missiles.
Anti-submarine warfare
For its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, the class features two twin torpedo launchers, designed to launch heavyweight torpedoes – such as the Varunastra heavyweight torpedo, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
Sensors
Radar
The class features the IAI EL/M-2248 MF-STAR S band active electronically scanned array radar, as its primary radar suite.
Sonar
The class is equipped with the BEL HUMSA-NG sonar, a hull-mounted “active cum passive” integrated sonar system developed by the DRDO.
Electronic warfare
For electronic warfare (EW), the destroyers are equipped with the DRDL Shakthi EW suite, designed to provide Indian warships an electronic layer of defense against modern radars and anti-ship missiles.
Ships in the Visakhapatnam-class destroyer
INS Visakhapatnam – Commissioned on 21 November 2021
INS Mormugao – Commissioned on 24 December 2022
INS Imphal
INS Surat
